Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen dog

The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen or
GBGV is a dog breed from France.

History

The
Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen is derived, like all bassets, from hounds of
superior size, in this case the Grand Griffon. The first selections were made
at the end of the 19th century by the Comte d'Elva who was looking for subjects
with "straight legs". But it was Paul Dézamy who was especially
responsible for fixing the type. He had understood that in order to catch a
hare, dogs of a certain size were needed. He fixed the size at about 43 cm.
Today used primarily when hunting with a gun, it is capable of hunting all
furry game, from the rabbit to the wild boar. A team of Grand Bassets won the
5th edition of the European Cup for hare.

Appearance

Basset

Grand
Basset Griffon Vendéens a long-backed, short-legged hunting breed of dog of the
hound type, originating in the Vendée region of France. They are still used
today to hunt boar, deer, and to track rabbit and hare, but are more commonly
kept as a domestic pet.

They
are pack dogs, so owners should either spend a lot of time with them or get a
second dog or a cat. They have a happy and confident personality, which can
sometimes manifest itself as disobedience, but they are great companions.

Health

The
UK Kennel Club conducted a health survey of Basset Griffon Vendéens (Petit and
Grand varieties combined) in 2004. This is apparently the only completed health
survey (as of July 16, 2007) that might include Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen,
but it is unclear what proportion of dogs in the survey were Grand Basset
Griffon Vendéens instead of the more common Petit.

Longevity

Average
longevity of 76 deceased Basset Griffon Vendéens (varieties combined) in the
2004 UK Kennel Club survey was 12.1 years (maximum 17.3 years). Leading causes
of death were cancer (33%), old age (24%), and cardiac (7%).

Compared
to surveyed longevities of other breeds of similar size, Basset Griffon
Vendéens have a typical or somewhat higher than average life expectancy.

Among
289 live Basset Griffon Vendéens (varieties combined) in the 2004 UKC survey,
the most common health issues noted by owners were reproductive, dermatologic
(dermatitis and mites), and aural (otitis externa, excessive ear wax, and ear
mites).